Kris Lenker and her wife were driving home through the countryside last week when they spotted something small and tan on the road ahead.
At first, they thought it might be a baby deer — but as they slowed down, they realized it was actually a dog.
“I jumped out and called to her,” Lenker told The Dodo, “but she got spooked and ran.”
The little dog darted down a path and disappeared. Lenker nearly gave up — but something told her to keep going.
“I just had a feeling,” she said.
Following her instinct, Lenker discovered the pup crouched behind a fence, frightened but watching. After a few quiet moments and gentle encouragement, the dog made a choice: she inched forward, wrapped her front paws around Lenker’s neck, and allowed herself to be carried back to the car.
“She was trembling, but I could feel that she wanted to trust me,” Lenker said. “It felt like we were supposed to find each other.”
As soon as they were in the car, everything changed. The terrified stray let out a deep sigh, curled up in Lenker’s lap, and stayed that way all the way home.
At home, they named her Reba.
Now resting and recovering in the warmth of a quiet bathroom, Reba is slowly coming out of her shell. Though still skittish, she’s already showing signs of love — and loyalty.
“She adores belly rubs,” Lenker said. “She’ll flop over and paw at us until we give her one.”
Reba’s not ready to brave the world alone yet. She refuses to go outside without being carried — a sign she’s still afraid of being left behind.
But inside, she’s a different dog: gaining weight, growing in confidence, and showering her new family with affection.
“All she wants is to snuggle and kiss us,” Lenker said. “She trusted us from the beginning, and we’ve completely fallen in love with her.”
If you’d like to support Reba’s recovery, you can donate to her GoFundMe fundraiser.
